INSTORE has acquired the JA New York trade shows from Emerald Golding, Inc., marking a change in ownership for one of the US fine jewellery industry’s long-running trade events. The acquisition brings JA New York under the ownership of a media and information company focused on the fine jewellery sector, with plans to expand the event’s role in retailer education, supplier engagement and business networking.

JA New York has traditionally served independent jewellery retailers, manufacturers and suppliers through trade exhibitions and networking opportunities in New York City. INSTORE stated that future editions of the show will focus on practical education, peer-to-peer learning and curated business connections for independent retailers.

“JA New York exists to serve this industry, and everything we do will be built around that purpose. Our commitment is to create an event where independent retailers find real answers, suppliers find real connections, and the entire jewelry community leaves stronger than when they arrived,” said Matthijs Braakman, Publisher, INSTORE.

The announcement also marks the continued involvement of Tobi Smith, who is entering her 33rd year with the event this July. Smith previously worked on New York’s 47th Street before joining JA New York. “My love of the jewelry industry began on 47th Street, and it only deepened when I joined this wonderful event. Thirty-three years later, I could not be more thrilled — or more eager — to work alongside this incredible team,” Smith said. According to INSTORE, the acquisition will support the development of a show format centred on retailer and exhibitor engagement.

Trace Shelton, Editor-in-Chief of INSTORE, said the company plans to focus on connecting buyers and exhibitors while strengthening educational and networking opportunities during the event. Krista Collins Walters added that JA New York remains an important in-person meeting platform for the fine jewellery industry and its business community. INSTORE said further details regarding dates, programming and exhibitor opportunities for upcoming JA New York shows will be announced in the coming months.